Can-boxing machine



H. G. DEWEY. CAN BOXING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED MAR. I, 1916.

Patented Aug. 3, 192%.

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CAN BOXING MACHsNL APPLICAl'iON FILED MAR. 1, Hi6

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4 SHEE S-SHEET LY H. G. DEWEY.

CAN BOXING MACHINE. APPLICATION man MAR. l, i916.

Patented Aug. 3, 1920. v

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3 811m: 11 fo'c 5] Ho raw/1 o H. G. DEWEY. CAN BOXING MACHINE.

HAYWOOD G'r. DEWEY, 0F

KNAPP COMPANY, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, A

LAND.

WESTMTNSTER, MARYLAND, ASSIGN'OR TO THE FRED H.

CORPORATION OF MARY- CAN-BOXING MACHINE.

Application filed March 1. 1916. Serial No. 81.449.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HAYWOOD G. DEWEY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Westminster, in the county of Carroll and State of Maryland, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Can-Boxing Machines, of which the followingis a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

This invention relates to boxing machines of a character adapted to assemble a supply of cans, cartons or the like, and to position such supply within a box or casing, whereby the latter is filled. 1

While the invention is designed primarily for the purpose of boxing cans, and while throughout the description, the term can or cans will be employed as designating the articles to be incased, it is to be borne in mind that the invention is not limited in this particular, as the machine is equally susceptible of use for packaging articles of various characters.

The invention may be said to be along the same general line as that character of invention embodied in the patent to E. Cornell, No. 560,058, dated May 12, 1896, entitled can case filling machine, it being one of the primary objects of the present invention to generally improve upon the construc tion illustrated in the said patent, having in mind greater efficiency and more satisfactory results generally.

ne of the objects of the present invention iscto provide means whereby the box filling mechanism per 86 may be more easily and readily operated and preferably through the medium of treadle actuating means, whereby the hands of the operator are left free for the feeding of the cans to the machine, the placing and removal of the box or case upon, or from, the box supporting part of the machine, etc., etc.

A further feature of the invention resides in the provision of novel and improved ejector mechanism for the cans whereby the latter are readily inserted into the box or case, and with less expenditure of energy on the part of the operator.

It is also contemplated by the invention toprovide novel and improved means for positively separating from the main can supply, that portion thereof to be ejected into positionto be placed in the box, the

casing, having in view more said means being of. a character to readily move between adjacent cans in the separatng operation, and without the danger of n ur ng or marring the label upon the cans, it being noted in this connection that the present machine is preferably of a character to be coupled up directly with a can labeling machine at the discharge end thereof.

The invention further embodies novel and improved supporting means for the box or articularly the pos t oning and removal of t e box from its position to receive the cans and in a manner resulting in considerable saving of time and with less likelihood of damage to the labels on the cans.

Still further the invention includes novel and improved means whereby the can filled case or box may be discharged from the machine.

Again the invention embraces means whereby the actuating mechanism for the can ejecting means for filling the boxes is arranged at a position most accessible to the operator, and in this connection said actuating means is preferably arranged at the front side of the machine or at that side where the labeled cans are fed into the machine and at a point adjacent the discharge position of the filled box. In this way, it is possible for the operator, without changing his position to operate the can ejecting or box filling mechanism, preferably with his foot, and with his hands position and cause the discharge of the can filled box from the machine.

Still further improvementsand novel details in -the construction and arrangement of various parts will be more thoroughly appreciated from the description to follow, which, for a clear understanding of the invention is to be considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and wherein is disclosed for the purpose of illustration, a convenient and satisfactory embodiment of the invention, though it is to be borne in mind in this connection, that minor changes in arrangement or construction of parts may be resorted to Without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a front end elevation of the machine.

Fig. 2 is a top plan View.

Fig. 3 is a front side elevation.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section substantially on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the arrow.

Fig. 5 is a detail view of part of the treadle mechanism broken away.

Fig. 6 is a detail view of the discharge runway for the boxed cans.

lVith more particular reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views, a suitable supporting framework is provided, the same including elongated longitudinally extending front side bars 1 and rear side bars 2 separated laterally from one another. Supported upon the bars .1 and 2 adjacent what may be termed the front end of the machine are transversely extending bars 3 and 4, the said bars 3 and 4 being secured to the bars 1 and 2 in any desired manner and having suitable transverse brace members 5, whereby to reinforce and strengthen the same. The bars 3 and 4 at the rear end thereof, are supported in any desired manner upon suitable legs or uprights 6 and 6 respectively. The frame at its opposite or front end is supported preferably through the medium of suitable legs or standards 7. A suitable chute 8 is provided at the front end of the machine, the same being supported upon the framework 3, 4, 5, the said chute having suitable internal partitions or flanges 9, 10, 11 and 12. The chute is open at its top whereby to receive cans from a suitable runway extension 13 secured thereto in any desired manner and adapted for connection with the tail end of a can labeling machine. Connecting with the discharge end of the chute are a series of superimposed elongated pans or trays 14, 15 and 16, the same having at the outer edge, suitable can retaining flanges 14 15 and 16 and at their inner edges relatively short retaining flanges 14, the said flanges 14* being cut-off whereby to provide for the movement of the cans laterally from ofl' said pans into position to be boxed. The pans or trays 14, 15 and 16 are supported from one another as by upright braces 17 and at the rear end thereofby a suitable casting or the like 18, which latter constitutes an abutment for limiting the downward movement of the cans along the runways provided by said pans or trays. The said pans or trays, as will be seen from Figfl of the drawing incline downwardly from the feed chute. The lowermost pan or tray 16, at the end thereof together with the abutment 18 is of a width substantially equal to twice the length of the can, as indicated at 16*. whereas the trays 1d and 15 are of a. width throughout, substantially equal to the height of the cans, with the result that when the cans are moved laterally from off the flangeless edge of the trays, the extension 16 of the lowermost tray constitutes a support for the separated supply of cans which in this latter position, rest directly upon one another in vertical and horizontal rows.

19 is a suitable abutment projecting from the uppermost to the lowermost tray at the front edge of the extension 16 of the lowermost tray, whereby as a series of rows of cans are moved from off the trays, they will be held in position by the cooperating abutments 18 and 19.

Positioned upon an offset part of the abutment members 18 and 19 are suitable supporting plates 20 having mounted therein suitable retaining rods 21 separated from one another and forming the side walls of a can retaining skeleton frame. The supporting plates 20 have therein lateral slots, whereby by loosening the retaining bolts 22, the two series of side bars 21 may be relatively adjusted. The bars 21 are spaced vertically from one another whereby to provide pockets for the reception of the outer most series of cans. The bottom of the said can retaining skeleton frame is preferably provided for by means of relatively fiat bars 22 having an angular projection 23 adjustably supported to the frame member 3 as by means of a bolt and slot connection. The bars 22 at the point of connection with the flanges 23 are rounded as illustrated at 23 and in the normal position of the bars 22 they are preferably above the horizontal plane of the lowermost tray extension 16 whereby said bars constitute an effective guide for the series of cans as delivered to the retaining skeleton frame by the ejectingapparatus about to be described. The horizontal position of the bars 22* may be readily adjusted through the medium of the bolt and slot connection, and it will be observed that these bars are separated from one another a suflicient distance to form receiving pockets for the lowermost series of cans, the cans readily riding over the rounded elbows of the bars 22 and seating in said pockets as will be obvious.

It is desirable that means be provided for supporting the box in position to overlie the cans retained in the frame provided by the bars 21 and 22, and that this means he of a character to assist in the positioning of the box and removal of the same withthe supported cans. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the box supporting means preferably takes the form of a plurality of separated tracks having a base 25, and an upright relatively thin or narrow web 26 upon which the box is adapted to rest and slide. The tracks are slidably mounted at their base upon extending bars 28, for a purpose to be hereinafter more particularly referred to. Said bars 28 have depending bracket supports 29 secured for vertical adjustment to the frame members 1 and 2 as by pin and slot connections 30. The tracks erly adjusted afford a guide for the operator in placing the box over the cans supported by the retaining bars 21---22 heretofore described, and because of the peculiar construction of supporting means for the box, it will be observed that the box whether empty orfilled, will readily slide over the relatively narrow webs 26 of the tracks, and said tracks being separated, this will leave an unobstructed portion of the side of the box in contact with the tracks free for the engagement of the hand of the operator in the assembly or removal of the box.

The can ejecting mechanism for forcing a supply of ca ways and in the position to be placed within the box or case to be filled, in the referred embodiment of the invention i ustlrated, is constructed substantially as folows:--

31 are a series of ejecting members or plungers proper, the same preferably taking the form of blocks or leaves conven iently of wood and having at the inner edge thereof a reinforcing metallic plate 32. The plngers 31 at opposite edges are supported upon suitable brackets 33, the plungers 31 being separated from one another whereby to engage the ends of the cans at points above the flanges 14", and 16. The brackets 33 have intermediate the ends thereof, an apertured lug receive a stub shaft mounted upon the upper end of carrying levers 36. The engagement between the lugs 34 of the plunger brackets and the shaft 35 is a loose one, whereby to permit rocking movement of the brackets 34 and the plungers about said shaft 35. The carrying levers 36 at the lower end thereof are connected to suitable supports 37 sleeved upon a transversely extending shaft 38 mounted upon depending brackets 39 on the frame members 1 and 2. Suitable guide-ways for the levers 36, take the form of plates 39' secured to the upper surface of the bars 1 and 2, the said plates having a reduced portion 39 at one edge thereof, whereby to receive the levers 36. Said inner edge of the plates at the enlarged ends thereof connecting with said reduced portion, form abutments 40 and 41 for limiting the forward and backward rocking movement of said levers 36 and the parts carried thereby. One or both of said abutments may have connected thereto a yieldable bufi'er, one of said buffers at the rear end of the plate being illustrated at 42. The plates 39 are adapted to be laterally adjusted through the medium of 25-26 when prop-' us from the trays or run-.

34 adapted to the bolt and slot connections 43, whereby to take up any unnecessary play, an to at the same time, allow for the free swinging movement of the levers 36 therebetween.

As has been seen, the plungers 31 are supported, whereby to have free rocking movement about the bearings 35, means being provided to support the plungers and properly guide the same as moved forward or backward with the carrying levers 36. In this connection, a roller bearing 44 is provided upon the lower surface of the bottom plunger adjacent the forward edge and one side of the latter, said roller bearing being adapted to engage a suitable track comprising an upwardly inclined portion 45 connecting with a downwardly 1nclined portion 46 in turn connecting with a horizontally extending portion 47 in horizontal alinement with the bottom tray 16. In the normal position of these parts, as illustrated more particularly in Figs. 3 and 4, it will be observed that the carrying levers 36 are in contact with the buffer members 42, in which position the roller bearings 44 will be in engagement, upwardly inclinedportion of the track 45. Forward movement being imparted to the plungers, the latter are guided by the track which engages the roller bearing 44 to the end that the forward end of the plungers will first move upwardly about the pivotal support and thence downwardly, and when the reinforced forward edge 32 of said plunger contacts with the ends of the cans, the plungers 31 will be in substantially a horizontal lane, and will be maintained in this plane or the remainder of the movement thereof in forcing the cans from the trays. It is of advantage to arrange the carrying levers 36 and roller engaging track substantially as illustrated, it having been found in practice that the cans are readily moved from off the trays with the least expenditure of exertion on the part of the operator, and the plungers 31 moving in a horizontal plane or substantially a horizontal plane after engaging the cans, and the engaging ends 32 of the plungers will be substantially free from any rocking or rubbing action on the ends of the can which might tend to tear or injure the labels should the same take the form of wrappers overlying the ends of the cans.

There is a further and important advantage in imparting to the forward end of the plungers 31, the upward and thence downward movement through the medium of the roller bearing 44 and track 4546 and 47, namely the possibility of more readily separating the supply of cans to be boxed from the body of supply in the runways or trays and this without injuring the labels or wrappers for the cans. In the illustrated emwith the bodiment of the invention, the can separating we filled.

' the inner surface and means preferably takes the form of a series of blades 50 secured to one edge of the plungers 31 through the medium of brackets 51 which latter are adj ustably mounted through the medium of bolt and slot connections 52 with the arms 33 of the bracket member 33. The blades 50 are preferably of sheet metal, whereby the same are springy or yieldable, and the position of these blades may be accurately adjusted through the medium of the bolt and slot connections just described. From a reference more particularly to Fig. 3, it will be observed that in the normal position of the plungers 31, the blades 50 connected therewith will assume a position at an upward inclination toward the free ends thereof or above the cans positioned in the runways or trays. When the roller bearing 44 engages the downwardly inclined section 46 of the guide track, the free forward ends of the blades 50 are allowed to quickly fall downwardly, somewhat after the fashion of a shearing action with the result that said blades will readily engage in the space between the cans from the top surface thereof, thereby separating the supply of cans to be boxed from the main supply in the runway. The free ends of the blades when reaching the forward limit of movement will engage in the space within of-the abutment member 19. The blades as illustrated are mounted directly upon the plungers or the supports therefor, with the result that the operation of the one part, will at the same time, impart movement to the other part.

While if desired, satisfactory results may be obtained by providing operating means for the plungers, such as a handle or the like connected directly thereto, at the same time it is preferable, and desirable in the pres ent instance, to provide treadle actuating means for the plungers, thus requiring less exertion on the part of the operator, and permitting the same operator without a change of position to operate the plungers at the same time assemble and remove box or case which has been or is to be lVith this in view, a suitable treadle or foot engaging device 54 is provided adjacent the rear end of the front face of the machine, the said treadle being sleeved at its rear end upon a suitable shaft or pintle 55 secured to the framework of the machine in any desired manner. The treadle 54 is "ided at its free end by a suitable slotted plate 56 secured to one of the legs of the framework. 57 is a transversely extending shaft projecting between the frame members 1 and 2 and sleeved upon said shaft is a bell crank lever 58 loosely connected at one end in any desired manner with a suitable link 59 which latter-is loosely connected at its lower end with a treadle 54 intermediate the ends of the latter. The bell crank lever the 58 at its opposite end is loosely connected to a horizontally extending reach rod or bar 60 having a sleeved engagement at its opposite end with a shaft 61 mounted upon an upward extension 62 of the lever supporting brackets 37 heretofore described. Suitable spring members 63 connected at one end to suitable lugs 64 on the frame members 1 and 2, and at the opposite end to the swinging or rocking brackets or supports 37-62, are provided to maintain the parts in normal position; that is to say to retain the treadle in elevated position, and the plungers in a position illustrated more particularly in Figs. 3 and 4. The spring is preferably adjustable at one end as illustrated at 65, whereby to regulate the tension thereof and in turn to regulate the return movement of the parts to normal position.

It has been found that when the case or box has been filled with cans, the cans in the case lying snugly against the cans remaining in the retaining fingers 21-22, some little difiiculty is encountered in separating the can filled case from the cans still remaining in the fingers, and in order to obviate this, provision is made for moving the tracks 26 lengthwise whereby to separate the cans in the box from the cans remaining in the case. In the preferred embodiment ofthe invention, this mechanism preferably includes a lever sleeved upon a shaft 71 supported in brackets 72 depending from the framework, said lever at its upper end pivotally connected with a link 73 which latter at its upper end has pivotal connection with a shaft 7 4 connected through the medium of brackets 75 with the base of the tracks 26. 76 is a reach rod having a pin and slot connection 7 7 at one end with the lower end of the lever 70 and having a loose'engagement at its opposite end as at 77 with one of the rocker arms 36 for movement with the latter. It is obvious of course that the lever connections 70-73--76 may be duplicated on opposite sides of the machine, one for each of the tracks which support the box. The actuating means for the tracks being connected to the rocker arms 36, it will be observed that the tracks like the other movable parts of the machine are actuated by the foot treadle mechanism. As the rocker arms 36 are moved forwardly in the ejecting operation of the plungers 32, the reach rod 76 is moved forwardly until reaching the end of the slot in said reach rod tea-ease a reverse movement of the tracks because of the lever connections with the rocker arm, and this reverse movement of the tracks with the case of filled cans, thereby separates the cans remaining in the cage or supporting fingers.

At the discharge end of the machine adjacent the rear end of the box separating tracks is a suitable discharging member for the can filled box or case, said discharging member preferably taking the form of an elongated transversely extending frame 66 having suitable side flanges 67 and rollers 68 having bearings at opposite ends in said side flanges. The platform 66 is preferably detachably supported upon the frame members 1 and 2 as through the medium of bolts 66 and when thus positioned, the rollers at one end will be immediately adjacent and below the terminals 25 of the box supporting tracks, which said track terminals are rounded as illustrated whereby the box may be readily tilted about said rounded terminals as a fulcrum and positioned with the bottom of the case resting upon the rollers and the open end thereof disposed uppermost. When in engagement with the rollers the box may be readily moved overthe same and into a position on the base of the platform at the discharge end thereof to be removed to a suitable place of deposit.

The "operation may be reviewed as fol-- lows Assuming that the present machine is coupled with a can labeling or wrapping machine, the labeled or wrapped cans are allowed to travel along the runway 13 into the feed chute 8, the cans rolling down the flanges 12 into contact lowermost tray 16, entirely filling said tray as well as the bottom upon, succeeding cans will travel over the flanges 11. and 10 and thence into the second tray 15 entirely filling the same. Thereafter, succeeding cans will roll directly into the topmost runway 14:- The trays being completely filled, the o aerator with his foot, engages the treadle an( presses downwardly, thereby moving the bell crank lever 58 about the shaft support 57, the opposite end of said lever imparting longitudinal movement to the reach bar60, which latter being connected with the shaft 61 and rock support 39, will cause the carrier levers 36 to move the plungers 31 forwardly. The plungers 31 having a 'loose bearing at will be.

caused by the roller engagement with the cam track -l6 and 47 to move first upwardly and thence downwardly whereby the separating blades 50 will be moved laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cans and readily separate a series of cans from the supply of cans in the runway. The continued movement of the carrier levers 36 formed by the supporting the with the base of the of the chute 8. Therewill cause the plungers and separating blades to move in a substantially horizontal plane throughout when in contact with the cans, and because of the peculiar position of the levers 36 and associated parts, the engaging end of the plungers 31 will maintain the original contact with the ends of the cans thus overcoming any rubbing tendency, which might injure any end labels or wrappers on the cans. The movement of the carrier levers 36 being limited by the stops 40-'41 on the lever guide 39, it will be found that the forward movement of the plungers is sufficient to push the first tier of cans out into the s ace between the runway and the retaining are 21-22. The trays or. runways being again completely filled,- the treadle is again actuated with the result that the plungers will push out a second tier of cans, this action being repeated until there are two tiers of cans supported by the bars 21-22 An empty box is then slid along the runway bars 26 and over the two tiers of cans supported by the skeleton frame fingers 2122 the bars 26 weight of the box and guiding the same clear of the labels at the bottom. The treadle is thereupon actuated two more times, allowing the runways or trays to again completely fill after each action of the treadle, thereby causing the plungers in the ejecting movement of the cans to push the filled box off of the supporting bars 21-22 The cans in the case are separated from the cans remaining in the cage or supporting fingers by the "slidable movement of the case due to the movement of the case supporting tracks, may be readily slid by the operator along the runway bars and coming in contact with the rounded end 25 of said bars will tilt whereby the box will be positioned with the open end uppermost and the bottom resting upon the gravity rollers of the discharge runway.

What is claimed as new is 1. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a runway for cans to be boxed, means for ejecting a series of cans from way into boxing position comprising a plunger adapted to engage the series-of cans, and means for moving said ejecting means whereby a substantially curvilinear movement of the same is converted into a substantially horizontal movement thereof.

2.1m a can boxing machine, the combination of a runway for cans to be boxed, means for ejecting a series of cans from the runway intoboxing position comprising a plunger adapted to engage the series of cans,

and means for moving said ejecting means whereby a substantially curvilinear movement of the same is converted into a substantially horizontal movement thereof,

when the can filled box the 'runwhich horizontal movement is maintained throughout the ejecting movement of the plun er.

3. n a machine of the character described, the combination of a series of superposed runways for cans to be boxed, and means for simultaneously ejecting a seriesof cans from each runway into position to be boxed, said ejecting means comprising a plurality of connected plungers adapted to engage one end of the cans, and means for imparting to the plungers a substantially curvilinear movement and thence a horizontal movement which horizontal movement is maintained while the plungers are in contact with the cans.

4. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a runway along which cans are adapted to roll, a stop to limit the movement of the cans along the runway, and means for ejecting a series of cans laterally from off said runway into boxing position comprising a plunger adapted to engage the ends of the cans, a ,pivotally mounted carrier for the plunger, a loose engagement between the carrier and plunger, means for imparting movement to the carrier, and as sociated cam means for guiding the plunger whereby the engaging end of the same will be moved. first upwardly and thence downwardly into contacting engagement with the cans.

5. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a runway along which cans are adapted to roll, a stop to limit the movement of the cans along the runway, and means for ejecting a series of cans laterally from oil said runway into boxing position comprising a plunger adapted to engage the ends of the cans, a pivotally mounted carrier for the plunger, a loose engagement between the carrier and plunger, means for imparting movement to the. carrier, a cam guideway, and a roller bearing connected to the plunger and adapted to engage the guideway for guiding the plunger whereby the engaging end of the same will be moved first upwardly and thence downwardly into contacting engagement with the cans, said guid' ing means being constructed and arranged whereby the plunger when in contact with the cans will be maintained against rubbing enga ement therewith.

6; n a machine of the character described, the combination of a runway along which cans are ada ted to roll, a stop to limit the movement oi the cans along the runway, and means for ejecting a series of cans laterally from oil said runway into boxing position comprisin gage the ends 0 ed carrier for the plunger, a loose engagement between the carrier and plunger, canseparating means movable with the plunger, means for imparting movement to the cara plunger adapted to enends of the cans, a carrier for the he cans, a pivotally mountl rier, a guide-way for the free end of the plunger, said guide-way having a raised portion in advance of the can engaging position of the plunger, whereby said can-separating means will in the further movement of the plunger be caused to move downward between cans.

7. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a runway along which cans are adapted to roll, a stop to limit the movement of the cans along the runway, and means for ejecting a series of cans laterally from ofi' said runway into boxing position comprising a plunger adapted to engage the ends of the cans, a pivotally mounted carrier for the plunger, a can separating blade mounted for movement with the plunger, means for imparting movement to the carrier, a guide-way for the free end of the plunger, said guide-way having a downwardly inclined part immediately in advance of the can engaging position of the plunger, thereby permitting the blade to move downward between the peripheries of adjacent cans.

8. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a runway along which cans are adapted to roll, a stop to limit the movement of the cans along the runway, and means for ejecting a series of cans laterally from oil said runway into boxing position comprising a plunger adapted to engage the ends of the cans, a carrier for the plunger, a can -separating blade carried by the plunger, means for imparting movement to the carrier, a guide-way for the free end of the plunger, said guide-way having a downwardly inclined part immediately in advance of the can engaging position of the plunger,

and a roller bearing at the free end of the plunger to engage said guide-way, as the plunger is moved by the carrier whereby to guide the blade from a position above the cans ton position between adjacent cans.

9. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a runway along which cans are adapted to roll, a stop to limit the movement of the cans along the runway, and means for ejecting a series of cans laterally from off said runway into boxing position comprising a plunger adapted to engage the plunger, a can-separating blade carried by the plunger, means for imparting movement to the carrier, a guide-way for the free end of the plungerysaid guide-way having an upwardly inclined part connecting with a downwardly inclined part, which latter connects with a horizontal art, whereby the blade in the movement 0 the plunger will first be raised above the cans and thereafter moved downwardly between two adjacent cans.

10. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a runwayalong 130 which cans are adapted to roll, a stop to limit the movement of the cans along the runway, and means for ejecting a series of cans laterally from off said runway into boxing position comprising a plunger adapted to engage the ends of the cans, a pivotally mounted carrier for the plunger, a loose engagement between the carrier and plunger, means for imparting movement to the carrier, a guide-way for the free end of the plunger, said guide-way having an upwardly inclined part connecting with a downwardly inclined part, which latter connects with the horizontal part, and a roller bearing at the free end of plunger to engage said guide-way, movement of the plunger will be caused to first rise above the cans and thereafter move downwardly between the cans.

11. In a machineofthecharacterdescribed, the combination of a runway along which cans are adapted to roll, a stop to limit the movement of the cans along the runway, and means for ejecting a series of cans laterally from off said runway into boxing position comprising a plunger adapted to engage the ends of the cans, a pivotally mounted carrier for the plunger, a loose engagement between the carrier and plunger, means for imparting movement to the carrier, an irregular guide-way for the plunger, and means at the free end of the plunger to engage the guide-way, and a can stop carried by the plunger and projecting forwardly thereof to engage between said series of cans and the supply of cans in the runway.

12. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a runway along which cans are adapted to roll, a stop to limit the movement of the cans along the runway, and means for ejecting a series of cans laterally from off said runway into boxing position comprising a plunger adapted to engage the ends of the cans, a pivotally mounted carrier vfor the plunger, a loose engagement between the carrier and plunger, means for imparting movement to the carrier, a guide-way for the free end of the plunger, said guide-way having a raised portion in advance of the can engaging position of the plunger, and a can separating blade carried with and projecting forwardly of the free end of the plunger.

13. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a runway along which cans are adapted to roll, a stopv to limit the movement of the cans along the runway, and means for ejecting a series of cans laterally from ofi said runway into boxin position comprising a plunger adapte to engage the ends of the cans, a pivotally mounted carrier for the plunger, a loose engagement between the carrier. and plunger, means for imparting wherebythe stop in the.

movement to the carrier, a guide-way for the free end of the plunger, said guide-way having an upwardly inclined part connecting with a downwardly inclined part, which latten connects with a horizontal part, and a can separating blade carried by the plunger and projecting forwardly therebeyond.

1 1. In a can boxin machine, the combination of a series 0 superposed runways for cans to be boxed, and ejecting means to separate a series of cans from each runway into position to be boxed, said means comprising a plurality of connected plungers adapted to engage one end of the cans, a lever support for the plungers having a loose engagement with the rear end of the connected plungers, means for actuating said lever, a cam guide-way, means on the plungers to engage the cam guideway whereby to guide the plungers while in contact with the cans, and can separating blades, one for each plunger projecting forwardly of the latter, the said blades being caused to move by the cam guideway first upwardly above then downwardly between the cans to separate the latter.

15. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a runway for cans to be boxed, and means for separating a series of cans from the supply in the runway whereby said se ries may be moved laterally from the runway into boxing position, said means including an elongated blade, and means for moving said blade longitudinally and thence laterally of the length of the cans between adjacent cans.

16. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a horizontally disposed runway for cans to be boxed, and means for separating a series of cans from the supply in the runway, whereby said series may be moved laterally from the runway into boxing position, said means including an elongated blade, and means whereby the blade is caused to move downwardly between the peripheries of adjacent cans- 17 In a can boxing machine, the combination of a horizontally disposed runway for cans to be boxed, and means for separating a series of cans from the supply ,in the runway, whereby said series may be moved laterally from the runway into boxing position, said means including an elongated blade, and means'for causing thesame to move downwardly and thence horizontally between adjacent cans.

18. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a series of superimposed runways for cans, and means for separating a series of cans in each runway from the supply of cans in said runway whereby the plurality of series of cans may be ejected from the runway, said separating means including a series of elongated blades, one for each runway, a carrier lever pivoted at its lower end,

a bracket support for the blades loosely mounted on the lever, means for imparting movement to the lever, a cam track, and a bearing member movable with the blades to engage the cam track, whereby the blades first move upwardly above the cans and thence downwardly between the cans.

19. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a series of superimposed runways for cans, and means for separating a series of cans in each runway from the supply of cans in said runway whereby a plurality of series of cans may be ejected from the runway, said separating means including a series of elongated blades, one for each runway, a carrier lever pivoted at its lower end, a bracket support for the blades loosely mounted on the lever, means for imparting movement to the lever, a track having an upwardly inclined portion, and a roller bearing connected with the blades for movement therewith adapted to elevate the blades above the cans, and thereafter to permit the blades to move into a position between adjacent cans.

20. In a can boxing machine, the combination of means for supporting a series of cans in position to be boxed, and a box support including oppositely disposed longitudinally extending guides separated from one another by an unobstructed space, said guides being arranged below said means and spaced therefrom whereby to constitute a guide for positioning the box over the series of cans, and means for moving the can filled box lengthwise of said box support.

21. In a can boxing machine, the combination of means for supporting a series of cans in position to be boxed, a box support arranged below said means and extending a considerable distance therebeyond, said support comprising a pair of angle bars, with an edge disposed uppermost, and with the space between said bars substantially unobstructed, whereby the box may readily slide longitudinally of the bars under the action of the hand engaging the box in said unobstructed space, and means for imparting bodily movement to said bars.

22. In a can boxing machine, the combination of means for supporting a series of cans in position to be boxed, a box support arranged below said means and extending a considerable distance therebeyond, said support comprising a pair ofangle bars, with an edge disposed uppermost, and with the space between said bars substantially unobstructed, whereby the box may readily slide longitudinally of the bars under the action of the hand engaging the box in said unobstructed space, and a series of elongated rollers of'substantially the length of the box, said rollers being arranged in close association and extending longitudinally of said bars at a point beyond the same and adapted I tudinally along to freely rotate in of said bars.

23. In a can boxing machine, .the combination of a series of superimposed spaced can runways, laterally extending side and bottom bars forming a skeleton frame toreceive a series of cans'from said runways, said bottom bars being separated from one another to form receiving pockets for the lowermost series of cans, and said bars normally occupying a plane above the horizontal plane of the bottom runway. 24. In a can boxing machine, the combination of means for supportin a series of cans in position to be boxed, an a box support arranged below said means and spaced therefrom whereby to constitute a guide for posltioning the box over the series of cans, and means for moving said box support longitudinally.

25. In a machine of the character described, the combination of means for supportlng a plurality of series of cans in position to be boxed, a box support arranged below said means and having an extension be yond said means, said support comprising spaced bars whereby a box may be placed with one side on said bars and moved longitudinally along the same to position the open end of the box over said cans, and means for lengthwise moving said box support. A

26. In a, machine of the character described, the combination of means for supporting a plurality of series of cans in position to be boxed, a box support arranged below sa1d means and having an-extension beyond said means, said support comprising spaced bars whereby a box may be placed with one side on said bars and moved longithe same to position the open end of the box over said cans, and means for seating the cans in said box and for moving the box with the cans along the extension of the runway, and means for lengthwise moving said runway.

27. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a series of superimposed can runways, a box support, a can retaining cage, can ejecting means to force the cans from the runway into said can retaining cage, and means movable with and controlled by the can ejecting means for moving said ox support lengthwise in opposite directions.

28. In a can boxing machine, the combination of an elongated inclined runway adapted to permit cans to roll along the same, ejector mechanism for a forward series of cans, and means operativel associated with said ejector mechanism or separating said forward series of cans from the supply of cans in the runway including a member adapted to move upwardly into a position above the cans and .thence downa direction transversely Wardly between the periphery of adjacent cans and remain in can separating position during the ejecting operation.-

29. In a can boxing machine, the combination of an elongated runway for cans, ejecting mechanism for moving the cans transversely from said runway, a skeleton frame to receive said ejected cans, said frame comprising side bars spaced vertically from one another and bottom bars spaced horizontally from one another, the cans being adapted to fit within the recesses between the bars, and means whereby the side bars may be adjusted laterally relative to one another, and means whereby the bottom bars may be adjusted vertically.

30. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a runway for cans, transversely movable ejecting mechanism, and supporting means for a box to receive the ejected cans, said supporting means comprising a pair of spaced guide rails extending transversely of the runway, and means for moving said rails longitudinally.

31. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a can runway, ejecting mechanism movable transversely relative to the runway, a frame to receive the ejected cans, said frame being adapted also to receive a box in which the cans are to be placed, a support for the box, and means for imparting relative lon itudinal movement between said frame and ox support.

32. In a can boxing machine, the combination of means for supporting a series of cans in position to be boxed, and a box support arranged adjacent said means and projecting rearwardly therebeyond whereby to constitute a guide for positioning the box over the series of cans, and means for moving said box support longitudinally.

33. In a can boxing machine, the combination of means for supporting a series of cans in position to be boxed, and a box support projecting rearwardly from said means whereby to constitute a guide for positioning the box over the series of cans, and means whereby said box support may be moved longitudinally.

34. In a can boxing machine, the combination of means for supporting a series of cans in position to be boxed, and a box platform arranged below said means adapted to receive and guide the box over the series of cans, and means for bodily moving said platform.

35. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a can runway, ejecting mechanism moving transversely relative to the runway, a support to receive the ejected cans, a box support and means for imparting relative longitudinal movement between said box support and can support, and a laterally extending discharge runway for the boxed cans.

36. In a can boxing machine, the combination of means for supporting a series of cans in position to be boxed, a box support arranged below said means and spaced therefrom whereby to constitute a guide for positioning the box over the series of cans, and means for moving said box support bodily toward the cans.

37. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a series of superimposed runways for cans to be boxed, can ejecting means, said means comprising a plurality of connected plungers adapted to engage one end of the cans, and means for separating said series of cans from the supply in the runways, comprising elongated blades operatively associated with the plungers, and adapted to bodily-move from a position above the cans downward between the cans.

38. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a horizontally disposed runway for cans to be boxed, means for separating a series of cans from the supply in the runway, plunger means for moving said series laterally from the runway into boxing position, said separating means including an elongated blade, said blade being operatively connected for movement as the plunger moves, and adapted to move from a position above the cans downwardly between the periphery of adjacent cans, a treadle, and connecting mechanism between the treadle and plunger means.

In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

HAYWOOD e. DEWEY.

Witnesses J. F. Wrmmms R. Mums, r. 

